The train station. To set the scene 
The town from the so-called great battery in the castle 
View of the town from the castle ramparts
I decided to take my first day trip to Carrickfergus, which is just up the coast from Belfast harbor. The train system is so easy to use and convenient–I’m jealous and want it for the U.S. I forget that about Europe until I visit again.
It was overcast but not rainy, and a Thursday, so I guessed there wouldn’t be many tourists, and it was pretty empty. I wandered around the town, crept through the graveyard of an old church, and climbed all over the battlements of the 12th century castle. Also (best part) swung by Sainsburys for the first time since studying abroad in 2013. Also also, I forgot to mention that I watched my Airbnb host have a dog behaviorist diagnose her dog, who’s a scaredy cat.
Made friends with a skeleton the other day. Now this guy, demonstrating crossbow technique. 
Here’s a plaque for my mom to read because she probably has questions 
The castle and the beach at low tide 
The front of the castle. You can’t really see the keep from here 
Inside the castle walls
North Gate. Part of an old wall residents built around 
A statue of King Something or Other 
Graveyard of St Thomas 
St Thomas, an old-looking church whose spire made me think maybe they were used to getting tourists. But alas, the doors were locked, so I spent my time with the dead
Sara Ramey 